By the time the south-east Queensland derby was half over, the Titans had lost centre William Zillman to concussion and five-eighth Aiden Sezer to a torn pectoral muscle which could see him sidelined for months.

But still, with just two reserves, John Cartwright’s brave men led with 24 minutes remaining. In the end, Brisbane’s fifth win of the season probably kept their season alive and handed coach Anthony Griffin a slightly improved platform on which to head into the ravages of the State Of Origin series.